DAY 80: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019: NEW YEARS EVE DAY:

Up at 4:30, running by 5:00 am then a rowing class at 5:30.  I needed to get home by 7:00. My Chiropractic appt was at 8:00. I do it to stay in alignment. No problems for which I am grateful. 

After packing the last of the small stuff, I made a list of JANUARY anniversaries and birthdays. They sneak up pretty quickly. Then I bought some gift certificates and cards. Time marches on. We are lucky.

At noon I picked up my parents and Tom picked up the girls. We arrived at Not Your Average Joe’s simultaneously at 1:00. We had a great table where walkerscwould Not be in the way. 

It was a great time talking about school, instruments, sports, and games. The girls were great company for great grandpa and great grandma—lots of hugs all the way around. Kids around make one feel young. They had so much comfort to the elderly and they can share in their lives. It was great! 

The girls are so helpful holding doors and assisting those who don’t move as well.

We returned home at 4 to finish up the dish and clothes washing. Tom packed my car with the bags and boxes I want to return to the Rv. Our suitcases will be the last things in tomorrow morning. I wish we could be here one more day for Ellen and Ray‘s Party but Tom is anxious to get going while the weather is good and most people may still be sleeping off  the night before..

I called the clothes dryer repair man in Long Key to be sure we were on his list for next week. 

I texted with Linda and sent MM photos of us on Tomfoolery. 

Our wish for the New Year is that everyone will be healthy. That seems to be more and more important each year.

SUCH GREAT MEMORIES 


ONE THING I MISS WHEN WE LEAVE: I WORK OUT ALONE

GREAT NEW YEAR S EVE WITH  JANE AND LA AT CROSSROADS

Yummy sweet potato fries, broccoli, and salmon

Great night all! Happy New Year, Family and Friends

DAY 79: MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2019: SHOPPING DAY WITH DAD

Up at 4:30 and running by 5am. Today was an easy run. I’m working on getting ready for the Key West 5K in January. Ali’s class was at 5:30, great as always.

I mailed some thank you cards and the last of the Christmas gifts to Mike and Shirley. Next stop, take Dad grocery shopping and to lunch or breakfast if it is early. 

MOM AND DAD LOOK GREAT

I texted with Joan and GERI. Linda seems to be feeling better. MM is the same, improving slowly. Having one‘s health is the greatest Gift. Too many people are ill and their healing is slow. 

Jane V texted that she took her dad to the hospital today. Illness is so difficult. We need faith and good doctors. 

 I helped mom with her cards for the year— birthday and anniversary. They are labeled and ready when the days arrive. She and dad are saddened by the passing of their friend — someone they went on many vacations with. 

I then returned to the store to pick out my Valentine Cards. They are better here than I can find in Florida. Next special day is JUDY and Mixhael‘s Anniversary., 30 years, so happy for them.

I returned home and worked on some shell projects. Oops! I wrapped them to take to FLORIDA as gifts so I don’t have a photo. 

I called Not Your Average Joe’s to make a reservation for 1:00 tomorrow. I want them to be prepared for 2 walkers and put us where there is room. We are happy MORGAN and MURIEL will be coming with us. The keep mom and dad entertained. Oh, the power of their youth and enthusiasm! They make me smile!  

LOVE THIS SULLIVAN FAMILY PHOTO

Chandelle texted when she read that dad had climbed on the roof to clean out the cutters. Someone other than Michelle and Joanie are reading this Blog. Too funny. Sounds like all is well in Texas.

JOSEPH TACKLING AN OBSTACLE COURSE WITH DAD: HE IS HIS FATHER‘S SON



AWESOME PHOTO


NOW THE ARE SILLY! Love it!

What fun is to see everyone, all our kids and grandkids growing so fast and living life to the fullest!

Dinner was left over Turkey, then we settled in on the rain cold night to watch: TWO POPES, a very interesting Netflix movie.

Good night!

DAY 78: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019: PATRIOTS GAME DAY: MAY THEY NOT DISAPPOINT

Up at 7:15 and at the gym for 8. Ali did a Loops class with weights. Great class , of course. Many people are away so there were 7 of  us. 

The place that was busy this morning was Job Lot. That was my second stop. I love their NE Coffee roasters and I needed to stock up the Rv. We go through a pound a week. That is a lot of pounds. Lol.

The morning went on with many texts between the girls from MAINE to RI to Florida. Lots of comparisons between MAINE and snow to Florida the sunshine and pool under the lanai. 

THIS IS SUCH A COOL PHOTO! THANKS, JUDY! LOVE THIS!

We all are using the huge, huge Dunkin coffee mugs Jane gave us all for Christmas! 

THIS HAS TO HOLD AT LEAST 16 OUNCES.

The house that Jane is renting in Florida looks perfect for a girl‘s getaway. I told Jane I’m in! Tell me the date. We have fun no matter where we go or what we do. Wine flows.  Lots of laughs!!

Jane V posted my Christmas gift to her. This Sea Salt and Fig spray is so light and fresh! I buy it all the time now. She got me started on it years ago.

SEA SALT AND FIG GREAT SCENT

OUR OTHER GIFT TO JANE AND LAR

JUDY IS STYLING IN HER BOWLING SHOES IN MAINE , GO JUDY!

THIS ONE LOOKS LIKE EM SHOULD GET A STRIKE!

JANE V AT NEWPORT BEACH REMEMBERING MOM WHO PASSED LAST YEAR. REST IN PEACE MRS. C

Watching the Pats game is stressful. The first quarter has ended and the Pats are losing 0—3.

Texts back and forth with Joan .We will be back with them in a week. We have matching emojis .

IF ONLY THE PATS WOULD WIN THIS

TIME WILL TELL!


So, Tom decided at half time that he should get on the roof to clean the gutters. I know watching the Pats with such a close score is nerve wracking but to use that time on the roof as a distraction? Well, I’ve been asking him since SEPTEMBER to have his old buddies son clean the gutters but is DECEMBER, a warm day and the gutters still aren’t done.

So, he decided to do it. Not as easy as simply pulling out the ladders. Much has to bevremkved from his cave to get to the ladders, including the dinghy. 

CHAIRS AND OTHER THINGS HAD TO BE MOVED

ROOF IS NOW CLEAN, ALL TOOLS PUT AWAY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, NO ONE GOT HURT YEAH!

BACK YARD  LOOKS NOTHING LIKE WHEN THE GAZEBO WAS UP

THIS PATRIOTIC BENCH WAS PAINTED BY MADDY, MORGAN, AND MURIEL. IT IS PUT AWAY FOR THE WINTER.

Gutters done, Patriots lost, and now we settle in the watch the other games. I’m doing no work today. I should clean closets but NO!

Well, the Patriots lost the chance for a buy week by losing the game but my gutters are clean and the Pats are still in the playoffs. 

A friend just called to tell me her mother in law passed away. Franny was the last living friend Mom had. They were family friends since before we were born. We have lots of history and many memories with her husband, John, and her sons. Mom said she spoke to her last week. Rest In Peace, Fran. 

Two more days home, then we leave for Florida New Years Day. This month has flown by. 

DAY 77: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LITTLE BROTHER BUTCH

When we start traveling again, the blog will be more interesting. Right now it’s more diary like. I’m only sharing with a few of our closest people. And, if you don’t want to read it, there is always that delete option—quick and easy— gone! Lol!

Today is my brother‘s 65th birthday, a mile stone for him especially since he too has chosen to retire from the school district. His real estate will keep him busy, though! Happy Birthday!!

At 7, Judy and I at the gym for Ali’s , as usual, engaging class. I’ll feel it tomorrow when unreturned for more of her. Tom and I were alone at breakfast with JUDY and Michael away. 

I decided I had had enough of this sinusitis and headed back to the Minute Clinic in Swansea. Now I have bronchitis as well but I am not tired and don’t feel sick. The wheezing is just driving me crazy. She said I wasn’t contagious. It’s not a cold. It’s my lungs.it has been a weak spot my whole life and why I have sprays.  Not the first time. Years ago I had it all the time. Don’t want that again. It was at its worst when I woke up, then better after I moved around.  Now, I have an asthma inhaler. It helped already. 

Today we heard from Fran and Norm in NH. I really miss skiing with them. Tom misses them but not the cold and skiing. I love it and will get back there.  They are such fun to be with . We have had some interesting adventures together. 

HAPPY TIMES WITH FRAN AND NORM

We made plans with Michelle and my parents to celebrate a New Years Lunch at Not Your Average Joe’s with the girls. Hopefully the weather will be good and we can celebrate with everyone. Should I buy horns and hats? Lol.

Em sent this Photo of Stella wearing the mini mouse dress with Minnie Mouse skiing. Cute!

                    MISS CUTIE

We  heard from JUDY— she arrived in MAINE. Heard from Jane—she arrived in Florida.

Jane V texted for New Years Eve plans. We aren’t planning anything big for the night—early start Wednesday morning.

I went to 4:00 mass , and we stayed in for the night. Left over pizza and calzone baked to crispy perfection add a salad, and that was dinner.

Just a night of hanging out and watching tv. We haven’t done that in a while.

DAY 76: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019: SPENDING TIME WITH THE GIRLS

At 5:00 am I was walking with Jane, Jane, and JUDY, our usual FRIDAY 5 miles which includes a stop at Dunkin Donuts. This is our last Friday this year. It’s also my last Friday walk until I return in Feb for Mom‘s birthday. It’s our routines I miss when we are gone. I just want to be everywhere with all my family and friends around.

THE SUPPORT AND INSPIRATION TEAM

Upon returning home, MURIEL was up and ready to begin making pancakes. She is good at cooking and now working at sewing. 

MURIEL NOT ONLY MADE THE PANCAKES, SHE ALSO MADE THE BROWNIES FOR LATER

After breakfast she continued to sew a very special parrot for MADDY. She is determined to finish it today. And, she is doing a great job. With 

MADDY‘s arrival and MORGAN waking, we ate pancakes, bacon, and sausage together. Everything was good, and gone. Muriel decided to stay home with grandpa, to finish the parrot, until mom and dad come for her. 

The girls and I went shopping at Kohl’s, and all the stores in Seekonk. We found lots of things at kohl’s: jackets, sweaters, and a really cute footed pajama for MURIEL, very cozy. We wouldn’t forget her just because she wasn’t there. All in all, a good shopping day. 

Hungry from that we went to Not Your Average Joe’s. Food is always good there and their GF menu is pretty big. Of course, this lunch was followed by the famous Carrot Cake.

Afternoon visit to mom and dad‘s  with Judy and Jameson resulted in organizing their Christmas gifts.

Some of their treasured gifts were photos of their grandkids and greatgrandkids and family photos. The photos surround them while in the living room!

At 6:30, we joined MICHAEL and Judy for dinner at Hometown and listened to Neil and the Vipers play. Just love that group. 

Jane snd Joey joined us for a quick drink before packing . 

Having been up since 4:30 am, I am ready to leave Hometown at 10:00. Tomorrow morning and Ali‘s class will come quickly. 

Today was a great day with family. 

EM SENT A PHOTO OF THIS CUTIE

DAY 75: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 , 2019: THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

After the gym, a run, rowing class, I went to Stop and Shop to shopfront enchilada groceries. The kids are spending the night and I want to make them for dinner. 

At 9 I returned to the gym for the rebounder class. We bought LEO and Stella each one for Christmas. 

I SHOWEDTHIS YESTERDAY. I LOVE THIS CLASS.

At 12:30 I picked up MORGAN and Muriel. We returned some gifts due to size, made exchanges actually then we to see Frozen 2. We liked it but liked Frozen 1 better. After the show, we went to TJ Max where MORGAN got a butterfly necklace:

After dinner, MORGAN face timed with Charlotte.

MURIEL AND IMUSED HER NEW SEWING MACHINE:

That was fun. It comes with a foot peddle and all. We made a bookmark. It was a start!

The she spent an hour hand sewing. Parrot for MADDY since she promised MURIEL §5.00 when she is done. 

Another full day ! I think I’m still tired from Christmas.

DAY 74: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019: CHRISTMAS DAY

I slept in today. It was 9 am when I got up. I had a few things to do for Jane and Joe‘s home . They are hosting Christmas Dinner. First things first, I answered all the texts and calls from family and friends, and made some of my own.  We face timed with Todd, Em, and the Kids. A video was sent to us of the kids using the rebounders we got them for Christmas. They knew what to do immediately. We wish we could have been with them when they opened their gifts. We  did get to see the Sullivans open theirs. Phone calls of approval we sent from OSTIGUYS. We just want to be everywhere.

  

LEO AND STELLA ON REBOUNDERS

I think I will tell about the great day we had today through photos. Here we go! Short and sweet.

AN EXCITING CHRISTMAS 

MONOPOLY FOR KIDS 

PLAY DOUGH KITCHEN

STELLA PLAYING HER NEW PEPPA PIG DRUM SET

SISTERS WITH MOM

SISTERS WITH MOM AND DAD






NEPHEW MATT  AND MARISSA


OPENING GIFTS

MATT AND MICHAEL

GERI SENT A PHOTO THANKING US FOR GIFTS

WE had a great day with family, at least part of our family. Great day. Delicious food. Many blessings. Time has been spent this month with everyone but OSTIGUYS. That will come in the spring. Thank goodness for cell phones and photos. 

Merry Christmas 2019!